Ranking High, Feeling Pressured: Singapore’s Happiness Paradox Sparks Debate in Asia
A recent wave of international rankings has put Singapore in the spotlight, designating the city-state as the third happiest city in the world, behind only Copenhagen and Zurich according to the 2025 Happy City Index (CNBC). Yet, this glowing reputation has triggered a complex reaction among Singaporeans themselves, echoing a broader debate across Asia—including Thailand—about what true happiness means in highly structured societies.
Singapore’s strong position on the index, published by the Institute for the Quality of Life, was determined by an extensive assessment across six key categories: citizens’ well-being, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility. Notably, 2025 marks the first year the index included health in its evaluation—an addition reflecting increased global concerns about physical and mental wellness after the COVID-19 pandemic.